(L-R) Henri Haine, Nancy Braun, Gérard Jeitz, Remo Bei, Giny Laroche;
On Friday 11 March 2022, the Mayor of the municipality of Rumelange, Henri Haine, presented the participatory programme details for Rumelange as part of the Esch2022 - European Capital of Culture project, in the presence of Gérard Jeitz, President of Albert Hames ASBL, Remo Bei, Rumelange municipality, Nancy Braun, Director General of Esch2022, and Giny Laroche, co-creator and concept developer.
At the "André Zirves" Cultural Centre in Rumelange, Mayor Haine explained the vision of creating an immersive and experimental experience at Rumelange through different projects as part of Esch2022 to highlight its industrial and creative past, and in doing so, also preserve its historical identity.
The first event, the sleep fair "EKINOX", will take place on 26 March, from 14:30 to 22:00.
To host the flagship project "SPEKTRUM", the municipality acquired the old house and workshop (atelier) of the Luxembourgish sculptor Albert Hames (1910 - 1989), whose sculptures and artworks are exhibited throughout Luxembourg, inclusing the well-known "D'Monument aux morts" which is on display at the central station (Luxembourg-Gare).
Currently under development, the workshop will include a contemporary building, to house several cultural and immersive projects. Once completed, the site will offer accommodations in addition to several cultural and audio-visual experiences. The venue will open to the public in November 2022.
Mr Gérard introduced other projects, such as "LANDSCAPES" planned from August to October, "GONNERHAUS" and "CDLR-76", developed together with local artists focussing on nature and environment. The "VOCAL BAND" programme will host concerts organised with local bands.
Ms Laroche explained that the projects would have a lasting effect, even after Esch2022, with view to creating economic opportunities in the future, as Rumelange has one of the highest unemployment rates in Luxembourg. The last mine (a major source of employment in Rumelange) was closed in 1978. Thus, giving local artists and creators an opportunity is expected to help bring the hidden treasures of Rumelange to the broader community.
Rumelange is also home to the National Museum of Iron Mines (Musée National des Mines de Fer - MNM) and the oldest cinema in the Grand Duchy (Kursaal).
Ms Braun congratulated the organisers for the years of work and planning to bring these projects to fruition, especially the cultural and historical aspects of Rumelange.
